Letter – Points of clarity

I would like to clarify a few points. First, I acted independently in filing the Freedom of Information request with Esquimalt. I filed the request because I believe in transparency and accountability. To imply that the request was submitted to benefit my employer is simply wrong. Secrecy hinders good governance and this is why all citizens have the right to request information using FOI legislation. Second, I don’t support the retention of non-hit data from Automatic License Plate Recognition surveillance cameras in B.C. My personal view is that storing random data is not a useful investigative technique for law enforcement. It is also a civil liberties issue and so I look forward to seeing the results of the ALPR investigation by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.